Alright so heres the scoop.
This is going to be the first car i build and I'm not ezactly sure how its going to end up.
I have a 1989 cavalier z24 that I plan on basically completely rebuilding.
My uncle has a '78 305 out of a nova that we want to build up. We know we are going to throw in fuel injection instead of a carb. We want to get the motor machined and bored. And obviously were doing a complete rebuild. First thing, we are looking to try and get at least some power out of this motor since he is giving it to me for free. (hence the whole reason were using the crappy 305) Right now the cav comes stock 120 horsepower and i can get it up and moving pretty good. Any ideas on what we could do to the motor on top of what we have planned for a little bit more power, without spending massive amounts of money. Next thing we decided was that we are going with a T5 transmission. I wanted stick shift so were thinking that might be the best bet. yet again, opinions, or ideas? Now to handle the powere with out screwing the unibody structure crap up, we found out that a frame from a s10 blazer 2 door would work great under the car. Next we wanted to get the car a little lower to the ground so we thought about going with airbag suspension. Thought that would be cool, but seeing as that is a bit pricey, were just going with the 4 link in the back and all new front suspension. Finally the interior is getting a makeover. All brand new carpeting, all digital gauges, brand new speakers and deck are going in.
Thats basically it. Thoughts, ideas on anything, or opinions?    

If you are building this for the project aspect of it alone, then have fun and enjoy the project. Keep in mind though, a project like this requires a lot of time and money. The end result is usually that it could not be sold for what was invested and a finished car may have been bought for less. Good luck with it.  

My opinion is that you have a lot to learn...

Do you have any experience rebuilding an engine? Have you ever had a body off a frame? Do you have any experience fabricating ANYTHING?  

-canted
its not just for the "project aspect" alone. and I am not really worried about how much I would be able to sell it for in the first place since I don't plan on selling it. simple as that.

-gib
its pretty simple.
I dont have experience on any of that.
but whats your point?
I'm not some moron that plans on taking a car apart and trying to be some hard ass and thinking i can put it all back together. I have done my research and know pretty much whats possible and whats not. I do have a few people helping me with the whole thing. I have an uncle thats been building cars since what. before I was born?
I mean he only does it for a living, I think there might be some experience there.
I simple was just wondering if anyone was nice enough for any thoughts that might actually help me. not criticize me.
thanks anyways though.  

Some criticism would do you wonders!

You're putting a V-8 from a old rear-wheel drive car  into a 4 cylinder front wheel drive car. That isn't easy, that is barely physically possible. That car will not even resemble its former self - it will basically be a sheetmetal body and there is a lot depending on you, not some relative that is a "car builder."

I think it's just a pipe dream.  

Barely physically possible?
Have you ever tried it before? Because by the way you are talking, I will have to go with I HIGHLY doubt it.
And I would just love to know how it "will basically be a sheetmetal body"
lmao you fool, it already is.
You fail me.
The only thing that will be different is whats moving the car from point A to point B.
And you keep talking like this I will probably have to go with the fact that my "relative car builder" knows more than you do.

You think its whatever kind of dream you want to.
I'll just laugh in your face when its done.  

And by the way.
You sure seem like you know so much. So let me correct you now.
Its a 6 cylinder genius.  

Wooh settle down people, I don't want to whip out my banning belt.  

Banning is highly unnecessary. I'm not insulting anyone, I'm giving my opinion where it was asked for...

Back to "ausomeman" (great name by the way), you're type is much more common than mine. Thousands of people dream up these relatively unprecedented projects, and the reason they are all so atypical is because they remain in the dream stage - like I afraid yours will.

If you want a "starter's" project car pick something where there are actually parts manufactured for the swap. Pick something that someone can actually help you with.

There was a four cylinder available in that car of yours - when I hear cavalier I think 'four-banger.' Just because you have a V6 car doesn't make it any easier to stuff in a engine and tranny MUCH larger and oriented differently.

"Sheetmetal body" in no way refers to the material the body is made of. It refers to the way the body will need to be modified after you try stuffing in a larger engine & tranny.  

hey guy's read his first sentence..it says it all.

none of us have ever started a project without having a very good vision of how it will "end up".

I think "pipe dream" was a good discription.  

how are your the smog laws around your parts.